Just when you finally feel like you've mastered the Gram, something changes (do you feel me on this?)! Because of this, standing out on Instagram in today's world is harder than ever.
It's essential to develop strategies that set you apart from the crowd. Don't worry though, in this blog post, I'm going to give you five effective ways you can attract ideal clients as an online service provider on Instagram.
Let's dive in and uncover the secrets to standing out!
1. What makes you different?
This is called your Unique Value Proposition. To stand out on Instagram, it's important to clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Identify your strengths, expertise, or the specific problem you solve for your clients. Develop a compelling value proposition that sets you apart from others in your industry. By consistently highlighting this unique aspect in your content, captions, and bio, you will attract your ideal audience who resonate with what you offer.
2. Showcase Your Expertise
Establish yourself as an expert in your industry by sharing valuable and educational content. Provide tips, insights, and practical advice related to your industry or brand. Carousel posts or engaging Reels/ video content are excellent formats for showcasing your knowledge. *Please note that by sharing 'knowledge' I don't mean for you to share step-by-step tutorials to do WHAT you do. Instead, you should share informative posts about WHY your ideal client needs your service or product ie: what problems your product or service solves, what working with you is like, FAQs about your product or services, etc. This will not only attract potential clients but also build credibility and trust in your abilities.
3. Develop a Consistent Visual Identity
It's important to use a consistent color palette, cohesive filters or editing styles, and maintain a visually appealing grid layout. *Don't @ me, I know that organic and in the moment is all the rage, but Instagram is still a visual app and there's just something about a curated grid that gets me every time👌. PS- I've tested this with myself and my clients and curated images and graphics perform better than random photos from your camera roll. Consistency in your visual identity creates a memorable impression and helps your content stand out amidst the sea of posts.
4. Engage and Build Relationships
Active engagement is key to building meaningful connections on Instagram. Respond promptly to comments, answer direct messages, and initiate conversations with your audience. Show genuine interest in their lives, challenges, and achievements. By fostering a sense of community, you will create loyal followers who become brand advocates who will shout your praises from the rooftop. *To be clear: I do not mean to DM everyone that follows you with the intention of selling to them before you even know them. This is an outdated & spammy tactic that most of us savvy business owners can smell from a mile away and will have the opposite effect that you want.
5. Be Authentic and Transparent
I'm sure you know that being authentic is a powerful tool for standing out on Instagram. But what the heck does that mean? Here are some practical tips... Openly share your business story, your 'why,' and any experiences that stand out on your entrepreneurial journey. People connect with authenticity, and by being genuine, you will build trust and forge deeper connections with your audience. Authenticity also extends to the way you communicate and engage with your followers, so let your true personality shine through in your captions and interactions. *Posting real-life moments and behind-the-scenes stuff on your stories is a great way to connect with your followers on a personal level.
Whew, that was a lot. If implementing all 5 of these things at once is too overwhelming, just focus on 1 thing at a time so you can ease yourself into it.
Just remember that building a distinct presence takes time and consistent effort, so be patient and adapt your strategies based on what resonates with your audience. With these strategies in hand, you are well-equipped to stand out and thrive as an online service provider on Instagram.
Want more tips on how to show up on Instagram? Check out my previous blogs 5 Mistakes You're Making on Instagram & How to Fix Them and When's the Best Time to Post on Instagram
Or if you're ready to hand over your social to an expert so you can have one less thing on your very full plate, click here to learn more about my social media management services here.